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Expert Q&A

	By Harriet S. Worobey, M.A. Early Childhood Educator Director, the Nutritional Sciences Preschool

Educationally, what should a 4-year-old be able to do?

This is an important question, and one that we parents should ask with each passing birthday. Children mature in very different patterns, and there is a wide range of "normal" but it's beneficial to know what behaviors and development are typical at a given age. When we are informed about typical developmental milestones we can be certain our own child is moving along in the right direction. Keeping in mind my earlier statement that there is a wide range of normal, most 4-year-olds should be able to:

• Clearly tell a person their name and something about themselves Example: "I'm 4. I have a dog."
• Speak clearly enough to be understood by others.
• Count from 1 to 10 or higher and recite the alphabet.
• Ride a tricycle.
• Name and match the primary colors.
• Hold and use a pencil or crayon with good control. Can copy a cross and a circle.
• Cut with scissors.
• Draw a simple stick person figure.
• Learn and remember songs.
• Engage in a conversation about their activities and experiences.
• Sit and enjoy a book read to them.
• May be able to recognize written letters of the alphabet and short familiar words.

Remember that every child develops in his or her own way. While all children follow a similar path of development there is wide range of normal in how and when these milestones are achieved.

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